Wharcliffe Volunteer Fire Department to reopen

Department will be able to continue services for Ben Creek residents

WILLIAMSON – At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Mingo County Commission, it was announced that the Wharncliffe Volunteer Fire Department would soon be able to reopen and operate at full service.

John Hall, President of the Mingo County Fire Chief’s Association provided an update concerning the Wharncliffe Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD). “I attended the State’s Fire Association meeting last Thursday. In that meeting; they came to an agreement with the Wharncliffe Fire Department. They are back in business. They are still on their 180 day improvement period until the next Fire Chief meeting which will be held in December,” Hall explained.

In August, the WVFD was shut down leaving residents at that end of the county without a reliable fire department service that could quickly respond to emergency situations.

At a special meeting of the Mingo County Commission held August 22, several representatives attended the meeting to discuss the future of the fire department which had recently been notified by the by the State Fire Marshal that the department would be closed.

At the meeting, the Wharncliffe Volunteer Fire Department, Mingo County Commission, Mingo County Fire Chief’s Association and Mingo County Emergency services agreed to work together to formulate an action plan to present to the State Fire Commission that would allow the fire department to continue to provide service to Wharncliffe residents.

At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Mingo County Commission, Hall explained that the WVFD would soon be able to operate at full service and that communication and participation between the WVFD and the Fire Chief’s Association had improved.

Hall said that the WVFD had met all but one obligation required to operate. “When those members who are taking the Firemanship One class in Logan take their test and pass, once they meet that obligation, they will be released to full service. They have everything else: their trucks, their equipment, everything has been tested and passed,” Hall stated.

Commissioner Greg “Hootie” Smith responded stating, “I appreciate you and the Fire Chief’s Association to be willing to help.” Smith also asked if the WVFD had been participating in the Fire Chief’s Association.

“They have. They have come to a few meetings we have had. Everything has been working out. Their former chief is back with them right now. He is their chief to help them get lined out,” Hall said. “He has all certifications,” Hall said.

For more information or more information on the Mingo County Fire Chief’s Association visit http://www.mingofirechiefs.com/.